Is This the Best Day Trip from Railay Beach? Our Honest Review
We spent ages trying to decide which boat trip to take from Railay Beach. With so many tours to choose from, we ultimately decided to pay a little extra for a private longtail boat from Railay Beach, taking us around the Four Islands and to some of the best snorkelling spots at our own pace.
And honestly? We are SO glad we did.
Having our own boat meant we could decide where to go, how long to stay and when to avoid the crowds. What started as a difficult decision over which tour to book turned into what was easily one of our favourite days in Railay.
So, is this the best day trip from Railay Beach? After experiencing it for ourselves, we think it might just be.
Our Private Four Islands Boat Trip from Railay Beach
After deciding to book a private longtail boat, we were able to completely tailor the day to what we wanted to see. Rather than following a set group-tour itinerary, we could take our time at each stop, spend longer snorkelling when we wanted to and move on whenever we were ready.
Our trip took us around the famous Four Islands, with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, explore the beaches and simply enjoy being out on the Andaman Sea.
One of our favourite things about having a private boat was being able to avoid the feeling of being rushed from one stop to the next. We could actually enjoy each island rather than worrying about keeping up with a group.
If you’re visiting Railay Beach and wondering whether it’s worth paying extra for a private boat, this is where we think the experience really comes into its own.
How Much Did Our Private Longtail Boat Cost?
One of the biggest surprises was how affordable the private boat actually was.
We paid just £28 per person for our private longtail boat, which was only around £5 more per person than the group tour.
For that tiny difference in price, having the entire boat to ourselves felt like a no-brainer. We could choose how long we stayed at each stop, spend as much time as we wanted snorkelling and avoid being tied to a group itinerary.
Honestly, we’d happily pay the extra £5 again. The freedom and flexibility made such a difference and, for us, was what turned a standard Four Islands tour into the perfect day trip from Railay Beach.
The Four Islands Tour: What We Saw
Our private longtail boat took us around some of the most beautiful spots near Railay Beach, with plenty of time to swim, snorkel and enjoy the scenery along the way.
The great thing about having our own boat was that the day felt completely relaxed. There was no rushing from one island to the next or waiting around for other people — we could simply enjoy each stop at our own pace.
Poda Island
Our first stop was Poda Island, and it was exactly what we’d imagined a Thai island to look like. White sand, turquoise water and dramatic limestone cliffs rising out of the sea made this one of our favourite stops of the day.
We had time to get off the boat, explore the beach and take in the views before continuing on to the next stop.
Chicken Island
Next, we headed towards Chicken Island, named after the distinctive limestone rock formation that looks surprisingly like a chicken’s head and neck.
This was also one of the best spots for taking photos from the boat, with the clear blue water and limestone scenery making it feel like a postcard version of Thailand.
Tup Island & Talay Waek
We then visited Tup Island, which is famous for the sandbar connecting it to Chicken Island at low tide. Known as Talay Waek, or the “separated sea”, the sandbar allows you to walk between the islands when the tide is right.
The timing of the tides makes a big difference here, so it’s worth checking the conditions when planning your Four Islands tour from Railay Beach.
Phra Nang Beach
We finished around Phra Nang Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Railay area. With towering limestone cliffs, soft sand and clear water, it was the perfect place to end the day.
After spending the day island hopping and snorkelling, we were more than happy to slow down, take in the scenery and enjoy our final stop before heading back to Railay Beach.
Snorkelling from the Boat
As well as visiting the islands, we also stopped at two different snorkelling spots during the day.
This was one of our favourite parts of the trip. Rather than being taken to a busy beach or having to follow a group, our boat simply stopped in the middle of the turquoise water and we could dive straight in from the longtail boat.
We had plenty of time to swim around, snorkel and enjoy the water before climbing back onto the boat and continuing to the next stop.
Having the boat to ourselves made this so much more enjoyable. There was no pressure to get back on at a certain time, and we could stay in the water for as long as we wanted.
For us, the combination of island hopping and snorkelling at our own pace was a huge part of why we think paying the extra £5 for a private boat was so worth it.
Was the Private Longtail Boat Worth It?
Absolutely.
For us, the private longtail boat was one of the best decisions we made during our time in Railay Beach. The fact that it was only £5 more per person than the group tour made the decision even easier.
Having the boat to ourselves meant we could explore the Four Islands without feeling rushed, choose how long we wanted to spend in the water and enjoy the snorkelling stops without being surrounded by a large group.
It also made the whole day feel much more relaxed and personal. We weren’t constantly checking the time or worrying about where the rest of the group was — we could simply enjoy the islands, jump off the boat whenever we fancied a swim and take in the incredible scenery.
If you’re trying to decide between a group tour and a private longtail boat from Railay Beach, we’d choose the private option every time. For such a small price difference, the extra freedom was absolutely worth it.
In fact, after spending so long trying to decide which boat trip to book, we’re so glad we went with this one. It really was the perfect day.
What to Know Before Booking a Four Islands Tour from Railay Beach
If you’re considering booking a Four Islands tour from Railay Beach, there are a few things we’d recommend knowing before you go.
Book a Private Longtail Boat If You Can
If the price difference is anything like what we paid, we’d definitely recommend going private. We paid £28 each, which was only around £5 more than the group tour, and having the boat to ourselves made the whole experience so much better.
Check the Tide Times
If seeing the famous sandbar between Tup Island and Chicken Island is important to you, make sure you check the tide times before booking. Talay Waek is best experienced when the tide is low, so the timing of your trip can make a big difference.
Bring Your Swimwear
You’ll definitely want to get in the water! We had two snorkelling stops where we could jump straight off the boat, so having your swimwear on underneath your clothes made things much easier.
I’d also recommend bringing a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen and something waterproof for your phone and valuables.
Don’t Forget Your Camera
The scenery around Railay and the surrounding islands is incredible, so make sure your phone or camera is charged. From the limestone cliffs and turquoise water to the longtail boat itself, there are plenty of opportunities for photos throughout the day.
